Ohio State encounter against Texas: Forecast, Selection, and Revised Odds (August 30th)
Texas and Ohio State are set to square off in the marquee matchup of the Week 1 college football slate, with the Longhorns seeking to defend their top ranking against the third-placed Buckeyes.
In last year's CFP encounter, Texas managed to limit Ohio State's Smith to just one catch for 3 yards. This year, the Longhorns' pass defense, which ranked first in yards allowed per attempt and seventh in passing yards allowed last season, is expected to be stout once again.
Ohio State has brought in two new coordinators, one of whom, Brian Hartline, was demoted previously for Chip Kelly. The starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Julian Sayin, couldn't secure the job until a week ago.
However, Texas has a significant advantage in the quarterback position. Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback, is the favourite in the Heisman Trophy odds, and his impressive performances last year speak for themselves. Manning threw for 939 yards and 9 TD in limited action, and also chipped in 4 rushing TD on 25 carries.
The Longhorns have also reloaded with the number one recruiting class in the country, and are returning the entire staff from last year's 13-win team. This continuity in the coaching department gives Texas an edge over Ohio State.
Money has been pouring in on the Longhorns all week, moving the spread multiple points in their favour. As of August 30th, Texas has gone from a 3-point underdog to a favourite at some online sportsbooks, with DraftKings listing the Longhorns as laying 1.5 points and FanDuel listing Ohio State as chalk but only by 1.5 points.
The total for the game has climbed a point to 47.5, with the over drawing 70% of the tickets so far. Texas' defence, which was top-seven in interception percentage last season, will be crucial in determining whether the over will be realised.
According to the college football public betting trends, Texas is drawing 76% of the moneyline bets, and 73% of the spread wagers. If Texas closes as a consensus underdog, they'll be the first No. 1-ranked team to be catching points in their season opener. If the Buckeyes close as a consensus underdog, it will be the first time they're getting points at home since 2018.
This promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams eager to start the season on a high note. With Texas' impressive recruiting class, quarterback play, and defence, they will be looking to assert their dominance early on. However, Ohio State, under new coordinators, will be determined to prove their worth and make a statement in their opening game.
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